NHL Rumors V: Teams Looking To Trade Up and Down At The Draft

1. Florida Panthers at No. 1 – the first overall pick has been traded five times before, three times by the Panthers.

2. New York Islanders at No. 5 – they’ll be giving up their first round pick next year, so improving their roster for this season is important. If they find the right player, they could move this pick.

3. Anaheim Ducks at No. 10 – have one of the top ranked prospect systems. Are interested in trading for Jason Spezza and Ryan Kesler and might need to include a first round pick. This pick acquired from the Bobby Ryan trade with the Senators. They also have the No. 24 pick.

4. Philadelphia Flyers at No. 17 – need to address their blueline. There has been rumors that they could go after the first overall pick to draft Aaron Ekblad. They could also use this pick in a trade for another defenseman.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning at No. 19 and/or No. 28 – The Lightning also have two first round picks next season to go along with two Calder finalists this past season. They could use these picks to improve their roster this season.

Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “The price hasn’t been established for the 1st overall pick & these 8 teams are waiting for that. The Leafs are among that group” … “In fact, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary & Edmonton are among group of 8 who have expressed interest [in 1st overall pick]” … “If you’re the Leafs, and you’re trying to move up from 8th to 1st what is the price you have to pay to do that?” … “Tallon and the Panthers don’t know for certain what that price should be” … “The message from Nonis and the other teams is, look at our roster and let us know what you need & then we’ll decide”

Chris Nichols: Elliotte Friedman: “I do think #Canucks are really taking look at what it will take to get No. 1 pick.” He’s not sure if Kesler is part of it.

Jeremy Rutherford: Don’t rule out the Blues drafting Ryan MacInnis. It has been talked about within and they seem comfortable with the idea of drafting Al’s son.

Renaud Lavoie: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said he’s ready to make a trade to get a better pick at the draft.

Aaron Portzline: The Ducks need to let the Blue Jackets know by the start of the draft next week if they will keep the No. 38 pick or give it to the Blue Jackets.